Making an appointment is a major obstacle for many indians looking for a US tourist visa.  Due to months-long wait times, some applicants turn to hiring agents and paying hefty fees in order to secure an early spot.  After spending INR 30,000 on an agent, a couple recently had to wait three months to be scheduled to visit the US Embassy in Delhi.  

They arrived five minutes late for their 9.30 AM biometrics appointment because of traffic in Delhi.  However, after waiting outside for an hour, they were let inside.  Applicants were forced to use paid lockers or leave their items outside because they were not allowed to carry phones or bags inside.  From fingerprinting to verification, the entire process took over two hours.

They encountered yet another lengthy line when they went back to the embassy for their interview a week later.  Electronic devices were prohibited, and security was strictly enforced.  Additional delays and uncertainty arose from a mix-up inside that led to the loss of one applicant's passport.  While officials checked documents and confirmed information, applicants had to stand the entire time.  

Following a series of routine questions, the officer offered an unexpected question at the start of the interview: "Who is Vivek?"  The pair was shocked to learn that their agency had chosen a random name to serve as their US contact without telling them.  Before granting their visa, the officer also asked about their financial situation and travel history.

There was no actual advantage to the procedure, even with the INR 30,000 price.  Officially, appointments for visas cannot be accelerated unless they satisfy emergency requirements.  But because wait periods are so lengthy, many people nevertheless accept the chance in the hopes of a quicker conclusion.  

Applicants have limited options because the process is still unexpected and stressful.  The main issue, as more people experience delays, is not only the long wait times but also the lack of transparency.  Even though hiring agents doesn't guarantee success, it could still feel like the only choice if the system doesn't get better.
 
 
 
 

 
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G GOWTHAM

11/03/2025 11:32 AM